US President Joe Biden says his administration will back Southeast Asian countries in safeguarding freedom of the seas and democracy. He also says China’s recent actions against Taiwan are “coercive”, and a threat to peace and stability.
Biden spoke to regional leaders on Wednesday, during the East Asia Summit, also attended by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. Biden’s remarks echo those he made last week, when he said the US has a commitment to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. Those words, however, were quickly softened by the White House following a strong reaction in Beijing.
The US has long maintained a policy of “strategic ambiguity” in the Taiwan Strait, avoiding making clear commitments. This is why some analysts say Biden’s remarks are indiscretions rather than a sign of policy changes.
Also on Wednesday, US Deputy State Secretary Brian McKeon said the US and the international community have made it clear that changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait through military action will not be accepted.